AU professor earns teaching award

Ted DanielsPublished: August 19, 2006 12:00AM

Christopher Swanson, associate professor of mathematics at Ashland University, received the Henry L. Alder Award for Distinguished Teaching by a Beginning College or University Mathematics Faculty Member.
The award was presented by the Mathematical Association of America at its Summer MathFest on Aug. 11 in Knoxville, Tenn.
The award was established in 2003 to honor extraordinarily successful teachers whose influence extends beyond the classroom. Winners must have taught full time in one of the mathematical sciences in the United States or Canada for at least two, but not more than seven, years since receiving a Ph.D.
Swanson, who just completed his seventh year at AU, has created new courses and has introduced Ashland students to the Putnam competition and to Pi Mu Epsilon, the national mathematics honorary. Despite a four-course teaching load each semester, he has directed four honors theses (two of which received awards) and has had the theses writers present their work at conferences.
A member of the Ohio Section of the MAA's Committee on Student Members, he has delivered nine presentations during section meetings. He is now serving as co-chair of Ohio NExT (New Experiences in Teaching), an organization designed to help new mathematics faculty become better teachers, while also emphasizing service and research.
Swanson has given enrichment lectures for students at other universities and presented a training workshop for high school teachers in Ohio.
Gordon Swain, chair and professor of mathematics, wrote in his nomination letter, "He motivates students to perform at their best by being a role model for them. His enthusiasm for the study of mathematics, his willingness to work hard and his obvious caring for all his students is readily recognized and appreciated by students. Whilemeticulously preparing for all classes, his teaching style is versatile and student-centered."
A faculty member at AU since 1999, Swanson holds a bachelor of science degree in mathematics from Denison University and both a master of science degree and Ph.D. in mathematics from the University of Michigan.
His research interests are combinatronics and probability.
Swanson and his wife, Linda, reside in rural Ashland with their two children.
The Mathematical Association of America is the world's largestprofessional society that focuses on mathematics accessible at the undergraduate level. The MAA has 27,000 members who participate in a variety of activities that foster mathematics education, professional development, student involvement and public policy.